Belfast Council Slams Stormont Pause on Ormeau Bridge

0:00It's March 24th. Welcome in. This is Europe News Today, where European News meets AI. I'm Corey, with the story. Belfast City Council's Chief Executive has slammed a storm on decision to pause plans for a new pedestrian and cycling bridge in South Belfast, calling its senseless. The Ormo Bridge Project has dragged on for over 10 years, and Council members unanimously agree to urge the department for infrastructure to move. Forward, right away. The hold-up stems from ongoing legal battles over the A5 Western Transport Corridor Road Upgrade, which a court quashed last year. Now on appeal, it's freezing major projects like this 143 meter cable-stayed bridge that would link communities across the river. Lagan and Buses access to the city center and leisure spots. Local leaders express deep frustration at a recent committee meeting. A counselor highlighted how baffling it is to stall an active travel initiative amid past political delays, while the chief executive pointed out no.

1:02Legal challenges loom and rising construction costs are eating away at budgets. The infrastructure minister insists projects like the Ormo Bridge remain live, with tenders extended to preserve progress alongside others such as the A4 in a skill in bypass. Officials are weighing options to shield schemes from the appeals fallout. As the court weighs its final call, Belfast Council is pushing hard for clarity and swift action to get this long-awaited bridge built and connect the Riverside communities once and for all.